[Verse 1]
Been a slave almost all my life
So's my kids, so's my wife
I've been workin' on the Colonel's farm
Ain't been mistreated, ain't done no harm
I'll be a slave to my grave
No need in me bein' free

[Verse 2]
Recollect when I was just fourteen
Freedom used to be my biggest dream
I'm older now, lot wiser, too
If I was free what would I do?
The Colonel's been right good to me
He's taken care of my family

[Verse 3]
The Colonel rode the buggy in from town
Hitched the horse and called us all around
Said he couldn't keep us here no more
I saw a tear as hе walked toward the door
Oh, Dear God, what did hе say?
"Lincoln freed me today"